Ever stop and ask yourself:

Who on my team is actually responsible for getting people to follow the rules when it comes to technology? Not the person who installs the firewall. Not the vendor who sends you invoices for cybersecurity tools. Not the IT provider who you think is probably doing it.

I mean the person inside your organization who makes sure your team:

  • Takes their cyber awareness training
  • Actually reads (and signs off on) the policies you’re required to review
  • Ensures the executive team doesn’t skip over compliance just because they’re busy

No one coming to mind? That’s a problem. And it’s one that’s going to hurt.

Let’s Get Real: This Isn’t Just About Tools

Sure, MFA is important. So is endpoint protection. But those are reactive controls—built to enforce behavior when no one’s watching.

What about the stuff that requires human engagement?

  • Reviewing policies tied to your cyber insurance
  • Signing off on required documentation for frameworks like FTC Safeguards
  • Understanding FTC Act Section 5—the “standard of care” you’re expected to meet with your client, vendor, or employee data

Wait—you didn’t know you were on the hook for that even if you’re not in a regulated industry?

Surprise. You are.

Even If You Don’t Have a Compliance Requirement—You Have a Compliance Requirement

That’s the thing about the law. It doesn’t wait for your industry to catch up.

Section 5 of the FTC Act holds you accountable for data privacy, whether you’re in finance or floral arrangements. If you’re collecting personal data—you’re on the hook.

Still think this is optional? Let me introduce you to your next adversary: cyber personal injury attorneys. They specialize in suing organizations that failed to take reasonable steps to protect data. They’re growing fast. And they’re not picky.

The Clock Is Ticking

If you don’t have someone internally assigned to own this responsibility, you’re not just underprepared—you’re exposed.

And no, your IT guy isn’t that person. Neither is your HR generalist who’s “good with spreadsheets.”

You need someone who:

  • Understands your business’s legal and contractual exposure
  • Can enforce training, reviews, and documentation internally
  • Has the tools, guidance, and authority to keep your organization compliant

Because when the breach hits—and it will—you’ll need more than a “we tried our best.”

You’ll need evidence that someone owned it. That you assigned the role. That the process existed. That your business took security seriously.

Your First Move: Assign the Role. Today.

Here’s your action item:

Appoint someone today. Give them the role. I suggest something like Compliance Champion. Give them authority. Give them time on the calendar to do the work.

Then send them to us.

We’ll help them build the structure, get the right tools in place, and give you the documentation you’ll need if (when) things go wrong.

Security starts with accountability. And accountability starts with you.